Army grad Mooney still nurtures NFL dream

Unlike many fans, former Army fullback Collin Mooney didn't totally mind the 4½ months of the NFL lockout.

Justin Rodriguez

Unlike many fans, former Army fullback Collin Mooney didn't totally mind the 4½ months of the NFL lockout.

After all, before the work stoppage, Mooney had been waiting nearly two years to pursue his dream. He hopes to sign a free-agent contact with an NFL team and be in camp by this weekend.

Mooney, 25, set Army's single-season rushing record with 1,339 yards during the 2008 season.

"I was already waiting. I'm kind of used to waiting," said Mooney, a second lieutenant stationed in Fort Sill, Okla. "The way I look at it, the last two years have been like a long offseason. It made it a little easier, but now that it's over, the first thing I want to do is get into a training camp."

After serving two years active duty — Department of Defense policy for West Point graduates — Mooney is free to sign and play with any NFL team. He would still owe six years in the reserves.

Caleb Campbell, a 2008 West Point graduate, spent most of last season on the Detroit Lions' practice squad. Campbell, a linebacker, is a free agent.

Mooney, who is 5-foot-10 and 245 pounds, met with coaches from the Green Bay Packers in April. He worked out at minicamps with the Vikings and Saints shortly after graduating from West Point two years ago. As of Monday, Mooney said his agent had talked to Green Bay and Tennessee about potentially signing him.

"I am glad that everything is finally over. Now that it's settled, I have a shot," Mooney said. "It's been a roller coaster, but I feel blessed to have this opportunity. It's exciting. This is something I've dreamed of my entire life."

jrodriguez@th-record.com

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